Group: Sausalito one of the top ferry trips in the world

A Blue and Gold Ferry heads toward the ferry dock in Sausalito. The ride between the Sausalito and San Francisco as named the second best ferry trip in the world by the Society of American Travel Writers.

Looking for a fantastic ferry ride? You don't have to go any farther than Marin for one of the top trips in the world.

That's according to the Society of American Travel Writers, an organization of professional travel journalists and photographers that recently polled its members to come up with the Top 10 most exciting ferry rides in the world.

The travel writers ranked the trip between Sausalito and San Francisco as second-best in the world, behind their No. 1 pick - the Star Ferry ride in the waters off Hong Kong.

"Crossing San Francisco Bay on a sunny afternoon, with Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge to the right, the Berkeley Hills to the left, and that glorious San Francisco skyline looming ahead; all that's missing is a bar of Ghirardelli chocolate and a warm loaf of sourdough bread," wrote Eric Lindberg, a freelance travel writer and photographer with the organization.

What could be better than that?

Robin Robinson, Toronto Sun travel editor, wrote that "Hong Kong's Star Ferry provides great views of the city skylines and a glimpse into the lifestyle of Hong Kongers for under a buck."

Both the Blue and Gold Fleet and Golden Gate Transit District run ferries out of Sausalito.

"It's a just a very nice break during the day," said Ken Eichstaedt of Olema, who rides the Sausalito-San Francisco ferry three to four times a week. "There is something wonderful about being able to sit there, and bring a book along and read, listen to your iPod or get some work done. And the pure beauty of what is outside is something you won't see anywhere else. It's a respite."

In addition, space was created onboard for 70 bicycles. The bike space is heavily used on weekends when tourists renting bikes in San Francisco ride over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, then take the ferry back.

The M.V. Marin is a Spaulding-class vessel built in San Diego for the Golden Gate ferry system. It went into service Dec. 11, 1976.

For Blue and Gold, the Sausalito run during off-commute hours is one of its most popular, said president Taylor Safford.

"It is becoming increasingly popular and it's a such a beautiful ride," he said. "We have so many tourists who love to take the boat after biking into Sausalito."

And at $9.50 one-way for Blue and Gold and $7.45 for Golden Gate, it's a bargain.

"Public and private ferry boats provide an inexpensive alternative to cruises, often traversing some of the world's most beautiful harbors, fjords, rivers and waterways at bargain prices," said Bea Broda, the Travel Writers' president.